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SANTA CRUZ PRIVATE UNIVERSITIESPrivate universities are called ‘universidades privadas’ in Santa Cruz. (There is no word for ‘college’ in Spanish - people frequently confuse ‘colegio’ for college, but ‘colegio’ means school.) There are several very good ones in Santa Cruz. All are very affordable if you compare the cost of education here with that of the U.S. but are considered very expensive in Bolivia and affordable only to the upper middle class. The very wealthy usually send their kids to universities in the U.S. or Europe. Contrary to other countries, in Bolivia it is usually easier to get into a private university than a state university. State universities require entrance exams that are very difficult and competitive. Private universities may have their own entrance exams and requirements, but students are not required to take the government test. Most offer a good range of 4-year degrees at the undergraduate level, a reduced list of post-graduate programs, and other shorter programs for which certificates or diplomas are issued. (Important note: Many universities name their shorter study programs ‘maestrías’. These are not Master’s Degrees. They are usually short course programs ranging from one class to several weeks of classes for which a diploma or certificate will be issued and they are frequently given in the form of continuing education courses, or offered to companies as a group of courses to update employees. They are not comparable to a Master’s Degree). In Bolivia, private institutions are working very hard to provide undergraduate and post-graduate exchange programs with U.S. and European universities that are accredited by both parties. Many students start out in Bolivia, then transfer to universities or go on to graduate schools in other countries, so it is becoming necessary to ensure Bolivian universities offer programs accredited in other countries. The following are some of the best private universities in Santa Cruz. UPSA and NUR are probably the top two best in the city but all offer a very good education.
A couple of other private universities in Santa Cruz (but you could do better): Universidad Católica Boliviana (Very good in La Paz - I went there for a year. Not great in Santa Cruz. Check it out at http://www.ucbscz.edu.bo/portal/) Universidad Domingo Savio (Small but provides classes in monthly modules rather than semesters or quarters. Check it out at http://www.upds.edu.bo/) Return from Private Universities to Home Page
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